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“I don’t understand generational wealth. I only know generational poverty.”
Sandy* called me a few days before she said those words. She wanted to talk with me about making a significant gift, so we scheduled a time to get together.
Sandy has been a member of the Society for many years. She and another member regularly go on home visits to neighbors in need. They listen to the neighbors’ stories, offer comfort, and give aid when they can. The aid is rarely enough to meet the neighbors’ needs, but it is always important. Sandy believes and lives the words of Blessed Rosalie Rendu, “Love is your first gift to the poor,” because she knows what poverty looks and feels like firsthand.
Love is your first gift to the poor, too. Every time you reach into your heart, then into your bank account, you share love with your neighbor in need. Thank you for sharing love to our neighbors in need through the Society of St. Vincent de Paul — Madison. Thank you for donating, not out of the excess in your wallet, but out of your compassion.
Every family wants to make the holidays special, but this can be particularly hard for people who are poor. When you donate this upcoming holiday season, local families will have food for their Thanksgiving dinner, and uninsured patients will get the medicine they need. If you can make a significant gift, like Sandy, you might have to stretch your dollars a bit. You may sacrifice something you want so our neighbors have what they need. With her understanding of generational poverty, Sandy knows her sacrifice was worth it. I pray you will know your sacrifice is worth it, too. Please donate now, as you are able, to provide food, medicine, clothing, and housing support to our neighbors in need.
With deep gratitude
Julie Bennett
CEO & Executive Director
Julie Bennett, CEO & Executive Director, in the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry
Born in 1786, Blessed Rosalie Rendu devoted her life to serving the poor as a Daughter of Charity (the religious order founded by St. Vincent de Paul). Moved by the suffering she witnessed during and after the French Revolution, she opened a free clinic, pharmacy, school, orphanage, childcare center, and home for the elderly. Her compassionate service and leadership inspired Blessed Frédéric Ozanam and his companions to follow her example, which led directly to the founding of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in 1833. Several of the clothing sections in our St. Vinny’s Thrift Stores’ are named “Rendu” after her!
